STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Most of Penn States players saw the first College Football Ranking and their teams No. 12 CFP ranking on Twitter, the same platform many of them used to commit to the school a few years ago when national attention was focused on off-field scandal rather than on-field success.Its awesome, linebacker Jason Cabinda said. Its great to get recognition for a bunch of guys who are working really hard, But right now it obviously doesnt mean a whole lot to us being (early) November.With four games left, the No. 20 Nittany Lions (6-2, 4-2 Big Ten) will try to inch closer to the four-team playoff by keeping pace in a tight Big Ten East race on Saturday night against Iowa (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten). The Hawkeyes are trying to keep their playoff chances alive, too. Theyre not out of contention in the West yet and are among four two-loss teams trailing No. 9 Nebraska for a berth in the Big Ten title game.Weve got our hands full right now, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. Theyve won four straight ball games. Theyre playing really well. Theyre in sync and playing with great confidence, rightfully so.Ferentz is 8-4 against the Nittany Lions and expressed disappointment earlier this week that conference realignment has prevented the two teams from playing since 2012. This is a much deeper, talented Penn State team than the one Ferentz last saw in person, however. That team, coached by Bill OBrien, was operating at a high pace despite playing with numerous walk-on players in the wake of NCAA sanctions that prompted transfers after the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.Theyve got guys that look the part and play the part, Ferentz said.And its a much different team than the one that shows up on film from earlier this season. The emergence of quarterback Trace McSorley coupled with improved offensive line play has complemented star running back Saquon Barkley nicely. Ferentz knows Iowas defense could have its hands full as its front cant sell out to stop Barkley like teams did earlier this season.If you do, youre going to pay for it, Ferentz said. Ive seen a lot of big plays theyve been able to create, whether its the receivers, tight end, or the quarterback just keeping it. So youre focused on the running back, and theres a lot more to it.DUELING `BACKERS: Both defensive fronts are led by stalwart linebackers and this game will feature two of the conferences best tacklers. Iowas Josey Jewell is second in the Big Ten with 77 tackles while Cabinda, wholl play his third-straight game after missing five of the first six with a broken thumb, is averaging 11 stops per game.SAVAGE DOGS: Penn States defensive linemen, while undersized, have learned to use their speed to disrupt and will try to do so against a banged up Iowa offensive line. Defensive coordinator Brent Pry has been crafty, calling stunts, delayed blitzes and zone blitzes to take advantage of Penn States athleticism up front. Garrett Sickels has come off the bench each of the last two games and has been a force with 12 tackles, 4 1/2 for losses and 2 1/2 sacks. Iowas used six different starting combinations up front but could get tackle Boone Myers back following extra rest provided by the bye week.OFF TACKLE: Andrew Nelsons season-ending knee injury a few weeks ago couldve spelled doom for Penn States offensive line. Instead, the Nittany Lions have made a strong push up front without their veteran leader. Brendan Mahon, who struggled at left tackle earlier this season, has moved over and has been a key component to the teams outside rushing success. Barkley ran for 195 of his 207 yards last week to Mahons side.ENDING A STREAK: A streak will be snapped. Iowas won nine straight road games, the second-best stretch in the country while Penn State has won five straight at Beaver Stadium.IN OR OUT: Penn States top deep threat DeAndre Thompkins is probably for this game after he suffered an upper body injury against Ohio State. He missed the Purdue game but was listed on the teams depth chart.Wholesale Football Jerseys Throwback . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. Sale Football Jerseys Throwback . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. http://www.cheapfootballthrowback.com/ . Houston won 3-0 to advance to face New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Last in the game, Di Vaio and Romero got into a shoving match with several Houston players. Romero appeared to elbow and kick Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie. Clearance Football Jerseys Throwback . -- Peyton Manning will have all of his wide receivers available for the first time in a month when the Denver Broncos begin their playoff run Jan. Stitched Football Jerseys Throwback . Vettel, who has already clinched his fourth straight F1 title, enters the finale with a chance to equal Michael Schumachers 13 victories in a year and match the record of nine consecutive wins by Alberto Ascari in the 1952 and 1953 seasons.More CFP/New Years Six coverage: National Championship | Fiesta?| Rose?| Cotton?| Sugar?| OrangeCollege Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach BowlNo. 4 Washington?vs. No. 1 AlabamaDate: Dec. 31, 2016Time: 3 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN App)Location: Georgia Dome, AtlantaTodays must-read storyWhy Washington is just getting started as a CFP contenderThe Huskies are the one surprise in this years playoff. And its been a while since theyve been on the big stage. But expect coach Chris Petersen to keep them there moving forward. 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